We’re celebrating the 30th birthday of Forever Friends, the lovable bear first sketched by Deborah Jones in her little studio in Bath in 1987. Whilst a lot has changed over the years, friends remain one of the most important parts of our lives. They laugh with us, pick us up when we need it, keep our secrets and are always there, even if we go weeks or months without seeing them. Click below to watch our friendship video and tell a friend you love them with one of our special, limited edition cards.

1987

Working from her little studio in Bath, artist Deborah Jones sketched the very first Bears. Greetings card king Andrew Brownsword saw them, loved them and put them on his cards. They soon became the most popular cute cards in the land – loved by young and old alike!

1989

The Bears were soon dancing and hugging their way onto greetings cards everywhere, and were given the name ‘Forever Friends’..

1990

The brand’s distinctive style had now established itself as the first choice for those wishing to send messages of love and friendship– and became known as ‘a hug in an envelope’.

1997

A brand-new range was Launched called ‘Between Friends’, focusing on the love and friendship shared between younger fans and the Bears.

1999

Another new range evolved for older friends. The Bears were presented in a sophisticated hand-drawn, sketchbook-style on luxurious, top-quality card. An amazing 13 years later, Deborah Jones said farewell to her little Bears and handed the Forever Friends reigns to the talented team of Hallmark illustrators.

2001

A gorgeous ‘Pastels’ range introduced a new, fun-loving cheeky side to the Bear’s personality.